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Search thousands of pregnancy and birth related topics in the largest free pregnancy encyclopedia on the net. |
Vesicovaginal Fistula - A fistula between the bladder and the vagina that is often the result of advanced cancer of a traumatic delivery.
Vestibule Of Vagina - The space between the labia minora into which open the vagina, urethra and the ducts of the vestibular glands.
Viability - The gestational age at which a fetus is able to survive and live outside of the uterus. The earliest that a fetus is able to survive is approximately 22 to 23 weeks of gestation. Babies that are born this early will likely suffer from a variety of complications, including respiratory distress, feeding difficulty and the inability to maintain body temperature.
Vibroacoustic Stimulation - An artificial larynx that produces a loud noise in hopes of stimulating the fetus to wake up to obtain a more accurate result for heart rate detection. This form of testing should not be used more than three times during a testing period.
Villitis - The presence of inflammatory lesions in the placental villi that are associated with poor pregnancy outcome. The condition is usually chronic and will occur with subsequent pregnancies.
Villoglandular Papillary Adenocarcinoma - A type of adenocarcinoma that generally occurs at a young age, with the average being 33 years old. This form of cancer is characterized by a a surface papillary component of variable thickness.
Vimule Cap - Contraceptive cap, smaller than a diaphragm, that includes features of both the cervical and vault cap. The cap fits over the cervix to prevent sperm from reaching the egg.
Viral Infection - Any infection that is caused by a virus. Many viruses are very dangerous to both mother and baby if acquired during pregnancy, including CMV, HHV, HIV, and the virus that causes rubella.
Virginal Membrane - A thin membrane that partially covers the vaginal entrance of most females at birth. Although the hymen is normally broken during sexual intercourse, it can be broken by playing active sports or inserting tampons.
Virilization - The abnormal development of male sexual characteristics that are evident in a female. These characteristics include facial and body hair, deepening of the voice and increase in muscle volume.
Virus - The smallest form of microorganisms capable of causing disease. A virus replicates or makes copies of itself inside the body’s cells. Viruses include common colds, cold sores, chicken pox and the flu. Viral STD's include include Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Herpes, and Hepatitis B.
Vital Sign - Measures of the body's most basic functions that indicates that a person is alive and functioning. Vital signs include temperature, heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure.
Vital Signs Monitor - A machine that is found in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) that continuously measures and displayes an infant's heart rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure on a computer monitor. To signal immediate attention, an alarm will sound if the vital signs fall into a range that is considered abnormal.
Void - Discharging bodily waste, generally urine. Patients are asked to void in a urine cup during prenatal visits to test for several factors that could be present. A clean-catch sample should be done to get the most accurate results.
Voluntary Abortion - An induced abortion that is performed by an abortionist at the request of a pregnant female. The abortion is not being performed for medical reasons, such as fetal distress or maternal health. An elective abortion is generally performed before the fetus is capable of survival outside of the womb.
Vomiting - Forceful release of stomach contents through the mouth that is often accompanied by nausea. Nausea and vomiting usually begin around the 6th week of pregnancy and ends around the second trimester. Because vomiting can lead to dehydration, it is important to consume adequate amounts of water. For the majority of women, nausea and vomiting will not pose a threat for them or the growing fetus. However, extreme cases can lead to a more serious condition, known as hyperemesis gravidarum.
Voyeurism - A disorder in which an individual gains sexual satisfaction from watching another person undress or take part in sexual acts unknowingly. These types of individuals are often called Peeping Toms.
Vrolik Disease - A severe form of brittle bone disease that is characterized by short limb dwarfism, thin skin, soft skull, unusually large soft spots, blue sclerae, small nose, low nasal bridge, inguinal hernia and numerous bone fractures at birth. This extreme form is usually not compatible with life and affected babies are either stillborn or generally die during early infancy because of respiratory failure.
Vulnerary - An herb that is used in treating fresh cuts and wounds,because it promotes cell repair and growth. Some women use the herb after childbirth to help the vaginal area and/or perineum heal faster.
Vulva - The female genital organs that can be seen externally, or on the outside. The vulva includes the clitoris, labia and the opening to the vagina.
Vulvar Edema - Swelling of the vulva that is commonly caused by accidental truama, circulatory changes in the lower genital tract (occurs before and during labor) and/or obstruction of blood or lymph ciruclation by a tumor infections. The condition may be associated with other disorders, such as pre-eclampsia or it can be the result of an allergic reaction.
Vulvar Folliculitis - Inflammation of the vulva due to a staphylococcal infection of the pubic hair follicles. The inflmmation can be a result of shaving or waxing the pubic hair and presents as an itchy and tender condition. Treatment generally involves a topical or oral antibiotic.
Vulvar Vestibulitis - A condition that is marked by redness and irritation in the vestibule of the vagina, with small red patches in the vulvar region. Causes of vestibulities vary and include abrasions from sexual intercourse, the insertion of tampons, bike riding or wearing tight fitting pants. Reoccurring yeast infections can cause vestibulitis as can trauma to the vulvar region.
Vulvectomy - Partial or complete removal of the vulva due to certain cancers, vulva dysplasia or HPV.
Vulvitis - Inflammation of the vulva. Dermatitis, eczema and allergic reactions are common causes of the inflammation. Bacterial and fungal infections, including sexually transmitted diseases, can also cause vulvitis. Symptoms of the condition include redness and swelling of the vulva, burning or itching of the vulva, small cracks in the vulva and discharge. Treatment involves the use of cortisone cream and removing the allergens, if that was the cause.